REPORT: Stevenage 2-2 Norwich

Darren Sarll made three changes to the team that drew at Hitchin on Saturday, with Ferry, Turgott and a trialist coming into the starting XI.

The hosts got off to the worst possible start. Norwich’s pressure in the opening few minutes saw Luke Wilkinson bring down Jamal Lewis in the penalty area, before Nelson Olivera converted from the spot.

Oliveira then had the chance to make it two immediately after, his shot clipping the edge of the post from outside the area.

The visitors doubled their lead on 20 minutes, Pritchard receiving the ball on the edge of the box from a corner, and with the help of a deflection, planting the ball into the back of the net.

Although Norwich were dominating possession, it was no means easy for the visitors, as Stevenage’s high defensive line and pressure on the back four were continuously asking questions of the Canaries’ defence.

The pressure finally paid off on the half hour, as Mark McKee stole the ball off of a Norwich defender in the opposition’s box, before sliding it across for Alex Samuel to tap in his first goal for Stevenage.

Five minutes before half time, Mario Vrancic then tried his luck from distance, yet Joe Fryer was there showing good reactions to make the stop.

As the first half went on, the game became more end-to-end with Stevenage growing into the game. Blair Turgott glided through the Norwich defenders out wide, before dragging his shot past the far post.

The hosts went in 2-1 behind at halftime, a much more confident end to the half than start. Sarll kept the same idea as on Saturday, with a whole new side coming out for the second half, apart from Joe Fryer who stayed between the sticks.

The game continued where it left off, both sides seeing large chunks of the ball, with neither team dominating. Cameron Jerome was next to test the goalkeeper, racing through our backline and getting a shot away, however Fryer was there to make a low save to his left.

Vrancic was enjoying himself in the final third, getting another shot away but this time sailing wide.

The rain continued to poor at The Lamex, with the pitch’s slippy surface meaning full throttle slide tackles and wayward first touches.

With 20 minutes left, Ben Godfrey handled in the area to give Stevenage a chance to level things up. Dale Gorman stood up to the task and confidently slotted the ball into the back of the net.

The Boro were now in control and looked favourites to find a winner.

Dale Gorman and Vrancic seemed to be taking turns in shooting from outside the box at either end. The latter’s free-kick was parried by Day and scrambled away by the Stevenage defence in the remaining few minutes.

The hosts couldn't find a third as the game finished 2-2. Stevenage’s first home friendly of the season saw a brave comeback against very strong opposition in relentless conditions.